How did you first find out about bariatric surgery and what were your initial impressions of it?

I saw Carnie Wilson's surgery on the internet and followed her progress. I did alot of research after seeing her success. I also had a couple doctors tell me that I was a candidate which made me research even more. After moving to Hawaii this past January, my PCP told me he thought this was the route to go. He is very confident in the surgeon.

Describe your experience with getting insurance approval for surgery. What advice, if any, do you have for other people in this stage?

I had no problems. I have Tricare Prime, and also had my surgery at a military treatment facility.

What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?

We basically learned how the surgery would be performed and what was expected from us during the waiting period. I was on about a year waiting list. We had to attend monthly support group meetings which were very informative.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health was failing every day. Diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and arthritis was getting the best of me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor only performed open rny procedures at the time. However, we were lucky to have a doctor from California come over for a couple of weeks. He performed 10 lap procedures. I was lucky to have the lap procedure performed.

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

I did worry about dying. However, I knew that I was dying every day from the complications of obesity. I put it in the Lord's hands and it went very well. I did have a stricture, but after it was resolved, I had no other problems.

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

They were supportive, but scared at the same time. I told everyone I knew I was having the surgery. I did not want to hide anything. I figured if they saw me only eating small bites, they would know something was up, so I felt it was best to let them know ahead of time. They were great!

How did your employer/supervisor react to your decision? What did you tell him/her? How long were you out of work?

I was unemployed at the time of surgery.

What was your stay in the hospital like? How long where you there? What things are most important to bring?

I was in the hospital with the lap rny for almost a week. Only because I had the stricture that they were unaware of at the time. He wanted to make sure I could keep down fluids before he released me. Chapstick is a good thing to bring to the hospital, because you can't eat or drink for a while after the surgery and your lips will become dry.

Did you have any complications from the surgery? If so, how did you deal with them?

Yes. I had a stricture. It took 6 weeks to get it resolved with approx. 6 dialations of the stoma. I could not keep anything down. It got to the point to where I could not even keep water down. It was scary, but once it was resolved I can actually say I have never felt better!

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

I was so excited I just wanted to scream it from the roof tops. I waited almost a year. I was nervous and happy at the same time. I just tried to keep busy.

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

Take it slow and easy. Walk Walk Walk! and Drink Drink Drink... the most important is to stay hydrated. If not, you will become really weak. I did go to the ER a couple of times because of dehyration and had to have IVs. This is not fun...so drink! I don't have any problems anymore.

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

None

Please describe in detail what things you could and couldn't eat in the weeks and months following surgery. What foods have been off limits? Please explain how your dietary tolerance changed week-by-week, and then month-by-month since surgery.

No sugar at all.. I was trying to stabilize my sugar level. It was going low, so I had one spoonful of regular pudding. It made me dump and I was so sick. Now, at a year out I can tolerate only one cookie and no more. I will be so sick if I push it. I am glad for this...it has taught me control.

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

I was so tired and weak. I was not getting enough fluids. Mostly because of the stricture.

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

Prenatal, UpCalD Powder Calcium, Colace, B12 shots

What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?

Hair Loss up to 1 year for me. Not really coping, just every day it gets better. Just a part of the surgery.

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

Can't really say there was a bad part.. The surgery itself was not a problem, only the stricture. That was very uncomfortable.

What aftercare support group/program do you have? How helpful/important is this?

Once a month support group meetings at the hospital. I enjoy going and seeing all the ladies and men that have gone through the surgery and see how they are coping with life after surgery. I also enjoy talking to the preops. It is very helpful to have a good support system.

What is your scar like? Is this what you expected?

Mine are tiny... I had the lap procedure. I have a couple little holes about 1/4 inch in size. They are small and can't hardly be seen unless you are really looking.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had them every once in a while. Just change up your daily routine by adding more exercise or more protein.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes and it kinda makes me sad. I don't want to be treated differently. I am the same person only smaller.